It's a new era in Montreal now that Anthony Calvillo has filed his retirement papers and sailed off into the sunset.

The Als got prepared for life without one of the greatest quarterbacks in CFL history last season when Calvillo suffered a concussion in August and didn't return. It allowed them to get a head start on the Troy Smith era.

The former Ohio State quarterback will lead the Als into battle this season under new head coach Tom Higgins and, as a result, there are plenty of questions in La Belle province. There was never any doubt the Als would make the playoffs when Calvillo was their quarterback. That's not the case anymore.

While Montreal does have the benefit of having an expansion team in their division, some CFL pundits believe the Alouettes could be in trouble thanks to the crossover rule.

They should be OK, though, because there are enough talented players remaining in Montreal and Higgins is an experienced coach.